Is the hiking suitable for children?

Yes, children aged 8 and above can comfortably participate, but younger kids may find the walking distance challenging.

Are meals included in the tour?

Yes, the traditional Cozido das Furnas lunch with drinks, dessert, and coffee is included.

Is transportation provided?

Yes, pick-up and drop-off near your accommodation in Ponta Delgada are included.

Can I swim in the thermal baths?

Absolutely, guests can enjoy the warm, therapeutic thermal pool at Parque Terra Nostra.

What should I bring with me?

Comfortable shoes, swimwear, towel, sun protection, personal medication, and a water bottle are recommended.

Are there any accessibility accommodations?

Details on accessibility were not provided; please contact the tour operator if you have specific needs.

Explore the Volcanic Wonders of Furnas: Hiking, Hot Springs & Traditional Cozido in the Azores | Sightseeing Tour | Food Tour

Set on the lush island of São Miguel in the Azores, the Furnas Valley offers an immersive adventure into one of Portugal’s most fascinating volcanic landscapes. Just a short 45-minute drive from Ponta Delgada, the Furnas Experience takes you on an active full-day journey through steaming fumaroles, serene crater lakes, and ancient botanical gardens, crowned by a taste of the unique geothermal culinary tradition.

Begin your morning at Lagoa das Furnas, an expansive volcanic lake bordered by walking paths and framed by verdant hills. Strolling along the lakeshore near the historic 19th-century neo-Gothic Ermida de Nossa Senhora das Vitórias, you pass the Center for Monitoring and Research of Furnas, surrounded by serene picnic spots and the ruins of old charcoal kilns. This gentle trail introduces you to the valley’s deep connection to geological activity and human adaptation.

Next, wind your way through the rugged dirt paths toward the Caldeiras — the valley’s famous hot springs and steaming fumaroles where volcanic heat escapes through the earth’s surface. Here, the ground hisses and bubbles, evidence of a subsurface geothermal system that has shaped local life for centuries. It’s also where the iconic Cozido das Furnas, a traditional stew simmered underground by natural volcanic heat, is prepared. This rare cooking method was recognized as cultural heritage, reflecting the clever use of the environment.

Lunch is served at a local restaurant nearby, offering you a chance to savor this hearty dish alongside regional wine or beer, rounding the meal with homemade dessert and coffee. Afterwards, a guided exploration of the fumarolic fields brings stories and legends alive, with opportunities to sample waters from nearby hot and cold springs, each with subtle mineral differences.

The day concludes in the Parque Terra Nostra, a 19th-century botanical garden famed for its collection of camellias, towering trees, and exotic plants. Here you can unwind in the iron-rich thermal swimming pool, whose warm waters are reputed for therapeutic properties, making it a perfect place to soothe tired muscles after your trek.

The Furnas Experience blends natural history, culture, and recreation, encapsulating what makes São Miguel a standout destination in the Azores. With certified guides, included transportation from Ponta Delgada, and thoughtfully paced activities, this tour is ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts eager to connect with volcanic landscapes in an accessible yet authentic way.

About Fun Activities Adventure

Fun Activities Adventure is an adventure company based in Vila Franca Do Campo, Açores. It organizes a broad range of outdoor experiences across São Miguel island, including stand up paddle (SUP) excursions, coasteering, canyoning, guided hikes, e‑bike tours, kayaking, and equipment rentals. The company operates both guided and self‑guided options to suit beginners, families, and experienced outdoor enthusiasts.

Trips include SUP Experience on Lagoa Azul, SUP rentals in Sete Cidades, coasteering along Caloura, multiple canyoning routes such as Salto do Cabrito and Ribeira da Salga, and E‑Bike itineraries around Sete Cidades and Ribeira Grande. Trail offerings cover Lagoa do Fogo, Salto do Prego – Sanguinho, Ribeira Funda – Maia, and other scenic routes that highlight volcanic landscapes, waterfalls, and coastal views. E‑bike and bike rental services support independent exploration.

Fun Activities Adventure emphasizes local knowledge and customer-focused itineraries. Guides and instructors use route familiarity to tailor tours to ability levels and interests, offering both adventurous activities and more relaxed scenic options. Custom tours are available through the "Outros - Tour´s Personalizados" service for travelers seeking tailored experiences.

Operating from Vila Franca Do Campo, the business serves visitors across São Miguel, connecting guests to iconic sites such as Sete Cidades, Furnas, and Lagoa do Fogo. Safety-conscious planning and transparent descriptions of each trip help guests choose suitable activities. Fun Activities Adventure provides clear trip information, on-site rentals, and a varied portfolio that appeals to those seeking active outdoor experiences in the Azores. Bookings are available year-round with flexible scheduling options online.